My dog ate my to-do list

We had one of those weekends when we chucked my carefully planned to-do list and hit the trails.

We tried some running on the quiet trails. 

Some trees needed to be climbed.

I'm sure next weekend shall be way more productive.

Found Dog: What I did

Quick recap:  I found an Abandoned Border Collie (ABC dog) at the park; if you wish please read the first part Found Dog: What Would You Do? 

I was just about in tears while I sat at the Emergency Vet wondering what to do with the ABC dog I evaluated the situation. 

• The dog was very nice and mellow. 
• His coat looked clean, he needed a good brushing. 
• I didn't see any pests or obvious problems. 
• He was fat which ment somebody enjoyeed feeding him.  
• He knew how to walk on a leash, so he belonged to somebody.
• He enjoyed the drive in the car

So, I took him home.  Once there I lead him to the front door and kept the leash on while we walked to the patio.  Marley was a bit perplexed this strange dog was coming inside.  Bob was incredibly curious and walked around behind the dog on our way to the patio.  He quickly found the water bowl and drank like he hadn't had water all day. I left the patio door open so Marley and Bob could become used to him.

I finally receive a call from somebody who can help.  Border Collie Rescue of Northern California  offered great advise.  I am so pleased with the assistance they provided.

She advised advised me to do the following:

• Check Craigslist for lost dogs.
• If I was not sure about the dog, it was ok to keep him outside as long as he couldn't escape. 
• I could take the dog to the county shelter the next morning and let them know BCRNC would pick him up after the stray time expired.
• She also advised me not to worry about him not eating, he was probably nervous and wouldn't be interested in eating. 

The following day, I took him to the County Shelter and they told me they would keep him for 14 days if he didn't have a microchip.  

He is a very nice dog and I hope he was just separated from his people and not abandoned.  I keep wondering if I should have done something different.

Found Dog: What would you do?

Marley was enjoying a romp at the park and I realized it was really late.  I gathered all of our things and as I reached the gate I realized there was a dog inside the double gate structure.  I looked around for the dog owner and after a few minutes realized nobody was heading in our direction.  The dog was scared and kept trying to get out.  I went in and checked the dog for a collar, which he was wearing but had no tags.  We let him into the park, to keep him from escaping and allow other people to enter and exit.

I asked everybody if they owned the dog.  Everybody was shocked the dog had been abandoned at the park; however, nobody offered to help.  By this time it is quite late and I have no idea what to do with a large abandoned dog.

I start calling everybody I know asking for assistance.  I keep hoping somebody will say, "I'll be right over, I'll take care of it."  Nobody does, however everybody has a lot of great ideas.  I call the county shelter and their after hours response leaves a lot to be desired.

At this point the park is pretty empty and I decide to take him to the Emergency Vet to check for a microchip. I've also heard a rumor that they will keep found animals overnight.  Turns out the dog does not have a microchip and the Vet will not accept the dog overnight.

Found dog: Blue eyed border collie

The receptionist takes a few photos of the found dog and my contact information and wishes me luck.

I find myself sitting in the reception area wondering what to do?  I don't know this dog and while he seems calm, I know he is scared and therefore unpredictable.  I do not want to expose Marley or Bob to an unpredictable dog.  

What would you do in this situation? 

Happy Easter

We would like to wish you a happy Easter. Hopefully the Easter Bunny delivered a basket full of chocolate goodies.  Marley loves Easter and she waits with bated breath every year to meet the Easter Bunny.

The Bunny is going to arrive soon...yum!

Maybe if I lay quietly in the white flowers, I can catch him.

Hmm...maybe more color is a better option.

Where is he?  I'm ready for a snack.

Happy Easter!

Tea and Dog Biscuits

This last weekend was wet and rainy; a perfect weekend to stay indoors cuddling with Marley and reading a good book. I read the most delightful book, Tea and Dog Biscuits by Barrie Hawkins.

Its about a couple in England who decide to start a rescue for German Shepards.  They have made plans as in "when we have more time" until a major illness strikes Mrs. Hawkins.  She wants Barrie to start the rescue to give him focus while she undergoes surgery.  While she is in the hospital a young man calls begging him to take his dog because he is homeless and living in his car, thus starts the rescue organization.

The writing made it easy to imagine living with German Shepards and running a rescue.  As charming and delightful as the book is Barrie does not hide the dark side of rescue. I'll stop before I give the entire story away.  

It is simply a great read and perfect for a dark rainy day. 

The rescue organization is GSD Homefinders and 10% of the royalties from the book are going directly to the rescue organization.